Prince Albert Provincial Court. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Crime

Not guilty pleas entered in Prince Albert murder case

Aug 21, 2023 | 11:08 AM

A man accused of second degree murder and attempted murder entered not guilty pleas.

Thanh Nguyen, who was 45 at the time of his arrest last May, appeared by video when the case was discussed Monday morning at provincial court.

Nguyen’s lawyer Mike Nolan submitted Nguyen’s pleas on his behalf as well as his election for the case to be tried by judge alone at Court of King’s Bench in Prince Albert. Ordinarily cases of this nature are automatically tried by judge and jury, however the Crown agreed to the election request. No dates have been set and a preliminary inquiry hearing will first be held on Feb. 12, 2024 at provincial court.

At that time the judge will hear the Crown’s evidence and determine if the charge represents what happened, as well as if the Crown’s case is strong enough to forward to trial.

Nguyen does not speak English and a Vietnamese translator appeared by phone to assist with the proceedings. One of the questions asked during Monday’s hearing was whether she would be there in person for the preliminary inquiry and trial. Judge Kaleneth confirmed she would be.

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In the early morning hours of May 6, Prince Albert Police were called to a home in the 1100 block of Second St. E.

Inside the home, a 35-year-old woman was found deceased. A female youth was also located and transported to Victoria Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

While the relationship between the accused and the victims is not clear, police have previously indicated all three were known to each other.

Nguyen remains in custody.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell